Tamron 70-300VC vs Canon 55-250STM. Are these results typical?

I haven't done a head to head comparison like you have but I have tried both lenses.  I was also interested in the Tamron because when it came out it seemed to be getting very positive reviews.  My experience was that it wasn't all that sharp at 300mm wide open which was the main place I used it so I ended up giving it away.  I don't know if the one I had was just a dud or if it really was representative of the model.  Later, I was looking for an inexpensive telephoto lens for a 9 year old who was getting interested in nature photography so I decided to give the 55-250 STM a try.  I was very impressed with the lens and easily got better results with it than what I had been getting with the Tamron (again this was just based on looking at photos and not from a controlled side by side test so take it with a grain of salt).  I suspect your results might be typical.

Sammy Yousef wrote:

Here are my test shots. To view full screen in Chrome hit F11 on the keyboard.

https://goo.gl/photos/3kTumBLR38RcFXLR6

Question is, is this typical?

I can't speak about the Tamron specifically, but they look typical for a consumer grade 70-300 zoom. They have a strong tendency to be soft at the long end. The 55-250 STM is above average.

Thank you for the feedback.

I'd sell this one and buy the 70-300 USM IS II if not for the magnification issue. I guess the 70-300VR spoilt me. I've had several copies and all were sharp - have to be stopped down to f/8 at the long end for best results though.

Thanks. Yep the 55-250STM is a great lens.

I wonder if you could use the 500D close up lens or an extension tube with the 70-300 IS II to solve the close up issue?

Intriguing idea and yep I'd thought about it too but just too clumsy I think. I wouldn't be able to focus to infinity without removing the tube. I'm the kind of guy that walks around with 2 bodies so I can have one short and one long lens at hand at all times. Thanks for the suggestion though.

I honestly think I should just stop buying Tamron lenses. I've never had much luck with them. 28-300XR on Nikon was awful and once I had something better it became painfully obvious. I have had one second hand Tamron 90 SP on Nikon that I had to send back, then bought a brand new one that requires -17 fine tune (so doesn't work with my older bodies). The one I have on canon seems okay.

That said I've also had failed AF motor on the 70-300VR. (Trying to get that fixed was a costly mistake...ended up replacing it when the tech who tried couldn't adjust the focus correctly).

I have had success with the tubes and the 500d but do agree they aren't terribly convenient to use.  I totally understand your point of view.

Thanks. You've been very helpful.

It may be the route I have to go. I have manual extension tubes but unfortunately that will be useless with the STM or 70-300 IS II for that matter as both are focus by wire. Would have to invest in tubes with electronics just to find out.